The Link Between Ultra-Processed Food and Lung Cancer: What You Need to Know

Smoking causes lung cancer - everyone knows that. But your diet also plays a significant role in your risk of lung cancer.

A study published in Thorax has revealed a striking connection between ultra-processed food and lung cancer. Researchers conducted this cohort study as part of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trials. It found things that are important for public health.

The Research Findings

A cohort study following over 101,000 adults for more than 12 years found alarming results. People with the highest ultra-processed food consumption had a 41% higher risk compared to those who ate the least. This increased lung cancer risk remained significant even after adjustment for smoking intensity and overall diet quality.

Among the 1,706 participants diagnosed with lung cancer during the study period, the findings were consistent. Non-small cell lung cancer showed a 37% higher risk. Small cell lung cancer demonstrated an even higher 44% increased risk with high ultra-processed food (UPF) intake.

The National Cancer Institute study represents one of the most comprehensive investigations into diet and lung cancer to date.

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

Ultra-processed foods are made in factories. They use ingredients taken from food or created through chemical processes. According to the World Cancer Research Fund, these types of food contain little or no whole foods.

The NOVA food classification system separates these products from minimally processed foods and processed culinary ingredients. Included foods are:

• Processed meat such as lunch meat, hot dogs, and bacon

• Packaged snacks and sugary soft drinks

• Ice cream and frozen desserts

• Breakfast cereals (especially sweetened varieties)

• Instant noodles and ready meals

• Mass-produced breads and baked goods

• Fried foods including burgers and fried chicken

Ultraprocessed food consumption now makes up 60% of the typical Western diet. This raises concerns for public health experts about the link between these foods and serious health issues. These issues include cancer, heart disease, colon cancer, breast cancer, and other long-term conditions.

How Processed Foods Increase Risk

Several mechanisms explain how ultra processed food intake promotes lung cancer:

Poor nutritional quality: These foods are high in unhealthy fats, added sugars (including high GI foods), and sodium. They're low in protective nutrients like fibre, vitamins, and minerals. This creates an environment conducive to cancer and poor lung health.

Harmful additives: Food preservatives, artificial colours, and flavour enhancers can interfere with normal cell function.

Chronic inflammation: Ultra-processed food triggers low-grade inflammation. This inflammatory state links to cancer development, heart disease, and infectious disease susceptibility.

Processing contaminants: Industrial processing generates harmful compounds. Acrolein in grilled sausages and caramel candies damages DNA. Packaging materials can contaminate food with cancer-linked substances.

The Western Dietary Pattern

Research from MD Anderson Cancer Center identified the "American/Western" dietary pattern. This pattern shows high meat consumption including hamburgers, fried foods, processed meat consumption, red meat, and refined grains. Researchers associate it with a 45% increased lung cancer risk.

Processed meat consumption and red meat intake were particular contributors. The harmful dietary pattern had its strongest effects among people who never smoked. This suggests dietary habits may be crucial for lung cancer development when smoking isn't a factor.

Foods That Protect From Lung Cancer

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables was associated with a 32% reduction in lung cancer risk. This protective pattern emphasises:

• Deep yellow vegetables (carrots, squash, sweet potatoes)

• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower)

• Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale)

• Various fruits including berries and citrus

Surprisingly, researchers identified a "Tex-Mex" dietary pattern with a 55% reduction in lung cancer risk. This includes beans, legumes, peppers, avocado, and salsa.

Smoking Status Matters

Dietary patterns affect smokers and non-smokers differently based on smoking status.

The protective effects of fruits and vegetables were only significant among current and former smokers. Smoking causes lung cancer through oxidative stress. Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables counteract this damage. This finding has implications for tobacco control efforts.

The harmful effects of ultra-processed food intake occurred regardless of smoking status. For non-smokers, dietary habits may be one of the most important modifiable risk factors for lung cancer.

Expert Perspectives

Independent experts provided context through the Science Media Centre. Coverage also appeared in medical news outlets including Medical News Today.

Experts note this observational study cannot definitively prove causation. However, Cancer Research UK and the World Cancer Research Fund highlight that findings align with growing evidence linking ultra-processed food consumption to various health problems and cancer diagnoses.

Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Lung Cancer from Ultra-processed food

Evidence-based changes to reduce your lung cancer risk and improve lung function:

Minimise ultra-processed food: Read labels carefully. Avoid foods with long ingredient lists. Limit sugary drinks. Reduce processed meat consumption including lunch meat, hot dogs, and bacon.

Decrease red meat intake. Avoid fried foods and high GI foods.

Increase whole foods: Aim for five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Include deeply coloured vegetables. Add cruciferous vegetables several times weekly. Choose whole grains.

Cook at home: Home cooking gives you control over ingredients. Prepare meals in batches. Use herbs and spices for natural flavouring.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dr Wilson's clear and reassuring approach helped me understand my diagnosis and treatment options completely. He took the time to explain everything thoroughly, which eased my anxiety during a very difficult time.

Google review from a verified patient

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was impressed by how quickly I could see Dr Wilson and start my treatment. His expertise in lung cancer, combined with his compassionate approach, gave me hope when I needed it most.

Google review from a verified patient

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
After feeling unheard by the NHS, seeking a second opinion from Dr Wilson was the best decision I made. He provided tailored treatment options and ongoing support that transformed my experience.

Google review from a verified patient

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dr Wilson combines exceptional medical expertise with genuine kindness. His professionalism and ability to explain complex treatments in simple terms made all the difference during my cancer journey.

Doctify review from a verified patient

A Comprehensive Approach

Lung cancer prevention requires addressing multiple risk factors beyond diet:

• Don't smoke - smoking remains the most important of all risk factors. Tobacco control efforts save countless lives

• Avoid secondhand smoke

• Test your home for radon

• Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise

• Stay physically active to support lung function and general health

• Consider lung cancer screening if you're at high risk

The Bottom Line About Processed Food and Lung Cancer

The evidence shows processed food lung cancer links are real. Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption substantially increases the risk of lung cancer.

Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods offer protection. Ultraprocessed food makes up a big part of many diets. The findings from the PLCO Cancer Screening Trials are important for public health.

Dietary habits are within your control. Slowly cut back on ultra-processed foods. Focus on reducing processed meats, red meats, hot dogs, and fried foods. Also, limit soft drinks, ice cream, breakfast cereals, and packaged snacks.

Researchers consistently link these types of food to cancer. Increase whole, minimally processed options. You may significantly reduce your cancer risk.

For current and former smokers, healthy diet effects appear particularly important. Combined with tobacco control programmes, dietary modification represents a powerful tool in lung cancer prevention.

If you are worried about your lung cancer risk or want personal advice on screening and prevention, please get in touch. As a lung cancer specialist, I provide comprehensive risk assessment and evidence-based recommendations tailored to your circumstances.

References

1. Wang K, Zhao J, Yang D, et al. Association between ultra-processed food consumption and lung cancer risk: a population-based cohort study. Thorax. 2025;80:810-818.

2. Tu H, Heymach JV, Wen CP, et al. Different dietary patterns and reduction of lung cancer risk: A large case-control study in the U.S. Scientific Reports. 2016;6:26760.

3. Science Media Centre. Expert reaction to study looking at ultra-processed food consumption and lung cancer risk. Accessed December 2025.